.223 or .308 for coyote?

[C9X19]

Which would be more effective and interesting?

[Cicero]

Originally posted by G17raider
Which would be more effective and interesting?

On a recent hunting trip I had a pair of coyotes run straight at me (honestly I don't think they knew I was there). When the one with the nicer pelt broadsided about 15 yards away, I shot it in back of the front shoulder with my .270 using 140 gr. nosler partitions. The nosler expanded nicely in such a small critter and the exit hole was about 2 fists wide. Death was instantaneous and the coyote just dropped on the exit wound side. Internal damage was extreme in the chest cavity, even where the round hadn't hit. Essentially everything turned to jelly except the heart (what I could find of it). I think a .308 would do similar damage and would be effective at a longer distance.

[firminw]

Either one! I prefer .223 but the 308 will buck wind better on the far out ones.

[mudfootball]

a two fist hole? yeesh, not if that pelt was of any value to you, i could definetely see that happening, the .223 may be more interesting in that you may want to wait a little longer for a good broadside shot where any angle with a 308 will knock one flat and to be honest a 150gr rem core-lokt bullet will not make that big of an exit whole, on deer shot through the lungs the hole isnt bigger than a quarter in most cases. Me i would get the 308 because it is so damn versatile and could be your next deer/elk/blackbear gun.
kt

[Michigun]

AR-15’s are getting REAL popular here in Michigan for “dog hunting”… no magazine capacity limits on varmint hunting here so 20 or 30 or 40 rounds can be a nice thing to have on those fast movers/mutable targets!

[Cicero]

Originally posted by mudfootball
a two fist hole? yeesh, not if that pelt was of any value to you, I was using those loads for elk, so it should have just gone right through a small animal like a coyote. It will be an interesting pelt when I'm done tanning it.

[WalterGA]

.243 would be superior to either, given the use(s) of the rifle.

[RMTactical]

I take my AR when we call for 'yotes. The .223 is a very effective for varmint hunting.

I can't imagine taking one with a .308, probably splatter it everywhere. Another disadvantage is follow up shots will be harder, keep in mind, those yotes are fast little buggers.

I would almost rather take a .22 than a .308 but I shoot .223 anyways so whatever.

[firminw]

The 243 may questionably be better than .223 but get real if you think it's superior to 308. The 243 is an aberation that is too big for varmints and too small for large game. If you look at some serious stats it's wounded and maimed more than it's killed.

[IDC]

Do you reload or just factory ammo? also what rifle is being used(AR, bolt.. ?). Hard to get a 80 gr 223 to fit in mag unless you single load and doesn't work well in low twist barrel ie. 1-10 or slower

[mudfootball]

ouch! that is a dispute i aint going anywhere near, seen to many 3 month long threads on the do's and donts of that one
kt

[C9X19]

Well, I'm kind of deciding on either a .223rem bolt or a .308 bolt. But i just talked to my old man about it and he doesnt want to go hunting with either.:( But I did find this thread useful anyway.

PS. The rifle will be a Savage.

[noway]

{The 243 may questionably be better than .223 but get real if you think it's superior to 308. The 243 is an aberation that is too big for varmints and too small for large game. If you look at some serious stats it's wounded and maimed more than it's killed.
}

then the .270win might be an better alternative vrs the small .223 or three 0 eight or even the .243.

Theirs something for small game up to the bigger game animals on plant earth known as North American using the 130gr or heavier loads. easy to buy, easy to reload and alot milder than the 308 but doesn't have the reach out and touch something capabilities. I would rather use a .270win on the animals mention before picking up a .223 or 308


just my 0.02c.

[firminw]

I use several calibers and rifles for takin' varmints but I would never say one was superior to another. My own experiences have shown that all suitable calibers are capable but none of them are the endall or beall. Personally I like something light in .264 best. In my world it comes closest to perfect for most conditions. I must admit to being horribly prejudiced against anything 6mm. I've seen to many cases where they wounded and maimed before they caused something to die. I cant help it I just hate 6mm and nothing will ever change that. I may say or boast many things but I would never say any caliber is superior to another as long as both are capable.

[sarge]

The .223 will nail these old Arkansas coyotes as far as I need to be shooting 'em...

http://photos.imageevent.com/brobert/bobdeer2002/websize/PB260009.JPG

[Alchemy]

Well this answer has 2 solutions. One if you just want to kill
them, use whatever you want. Second, if your after the pelts, you
had better choose an appropriate varmit rifle with the right
bullet....my 2 cents!

[C9X19]

Remember where I live! If ARs were legal here, I would've had one a long time ago:(

[sarge]

I was speaking of the cartridge, not the gun.

[WalterGA]

Originally posted by firminw
The 243 may questionably be better than .223 but get real if you think it's superior to 308. The 243 is an aberation that is too big for varmints and too small for large game. If you look at some serious stats it's wounded and maimed more than it's killed.

Don't know about you personally, but your conclusions are F.O.S. You speak authoritatively about a subject about which you obviously know little-to-nothing.

[noway]

{The 243 is an aberation that is too big for varmints and too small for large game.}


ironically I had to call my dad at work a few minutes ago. I remember he bought a win Mod70 varmit rifle last year called guess what ? "Coyote" and it's chamber in the .243.

So I guess winchester saw the need for a 243 as varmit round.
;)

[noway]

doubletap

[firminw]

If your into .243 thats fine but dont try to espouse it as the best at anything. I've killed as many of various specise of varmints as many and more than most. I do know what I'm talking about but I also as most Americans, hunters and shooters have an opinion. That aside I would never say my paticular favorite was superior to yours. We all have our likes and dislikes, were just humans, so lets keep the snide comments to ourselves before we show everyone how foolish we are. Some people aren't satisfied until they can show someone up. If thats your bag go for it but I will not participate.

[firminw]

Coyote's are not really considered varmints they are predators but I forgot you and others, me excluded, know everything and if we dont believe it just ask.

[noway]

{Coyote's are not really considered varmints they are predators but I forgot you and others, me excluded, know everything and if we dont believe it just ask.}

Not to split hairs with you Varmint vrs Predators, but even Winchester states the Coyote is a Varmit rifle or to be specific

This very popular rifle effectively walks the line between a specialty varmint rifle and a big game rifle. The Coyote is designed for the hunter who must address the needs of having both an easy-to-carry rifle and a rifle capable of providing long-range accuracy. To accomplish these needs, the Coyote pairs an accurate, 24" medium-heavy stainless steel barrel with a rugged laminated stock with reverse taper fore-end. The unique stock is ideal for a bipod, shooting sticks or sandbags. The impressive Controlled Round Push Feed bolt — which combines the best aspects of a push feed and classic, Controlled Round Feed bolt — is standard. The Coyote is a great all-in-one rifle. Standard short action, WSM and WSSM calibers are available, including the new 25 WSSM.
http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=535&type_id=031&cat=001C


around my parts a coyote is consider a Varmint and same holds thrue in the back brush county of where my did is, but then I know nothing about what I'm talking about so just ignore me ;)


btw: My dictionary and the online dictionary states;

Noun 1. varmint - an irritating or obnoxious person

vermin

bad person - a person who does harm to others
2. varmint - any usually predatory wild animal considered undesirable; e.g. coyote


I guess the dictionary doesn't know the difference either.
;Q

[mpol777]

I don't consider the coyote a varmint. But then again I have more respect for the species as a game animal than most. Beyond the respect issue, coyotes have value in their hides, skulls and claws.

I personally don't think that any game animal that can provide something in return, whether it be fur or meat, should be considered a varmint. Sure there are some people that see them as undesirable, but if something can be gained through the taking of such an animal there will surely be many more who find that animal valuable.

[nothingness]

why not split the difference -> 7.62x39

[firminw]

Noway you just proved several of my points. And just figure I din't ask for your approval or verification but you offered it anyway. You Sir know it ALL.

[noway]

{Noway you just proved several of my points. And just figure I din't ask for your approval or verification but you offered it anyway. You Sir know it ALL}

Wow that's the best that you can come up with? You stated things that are totally wrong and try to be ass about it.

(let's recap some of F.O.S statements by you in this post alone )

> The 243 is an aberation that is too big for varmints and too small for large game.

> Coyote's are not really considered varmints they are predators but I forgot you and others, me excluded, know everything and if we dont believe it just ask.

Where as in fact the .243 is just fine for varmints and okay for up to small & medium size deer

and;

the Coyote is by all means a varmint.

And then you try to post smartass comments after been proven otherwise on a forum and looking more like a plain jerk. I ask again, Is this is the best you can come up ith hoss?

I guess I should send you a diaper and hanky to cry on. What ever issues have with my post and the information provide is your problem deal withit ;n

Before you type anything else stupid, I suggest you should get a subscription with varmint hunters magazines to learn what are actually varmints. A coyote is a a Varmint and is a predator as it preys, hunts and kills other animals, where the opposite for example a black tail praire dog, is not a predator since it typically don't prey, hunt or kill other animals except seeds and grass and others foods, you silly rabbit. They both are varmints, and a coyote is a still classified as a varmint. You don't need my approval or verification and nothing wrong with my Lingo as you so clearly stated before, as the winchester coyote model 70 is consider a "Varmint Rifle" or speciality rifle , they had a good article about that rifle in one of past issues in my varmint magazine.

Once again get over it.
;Q

{why not split the difference -> 7.62x39}

It would surely kill them but I would take a light rifle that has less recoil to start with ;f

[firminw]

Get over it. You are a genius so why bother. Anyway like I said the original question was .223 or .308 and your still going off 'bout something that was just an aside. Go back to your dictioary I've got a wounded rabbit call to get the slobber out of. I'm entitled to my august opinion same as you but mine's based on experience not just quoted from sales flyers and dictionarys.

[gary paugh]

Arguing on the internet is like running in the special olympics even if you win your still a retard.

Gary

[higbean]

That is just plain funny. I am still laughing. .223 is good if you want to keep the pelt and .308 if they are after cattle and the like. A lot of predator hunters love .243 loaded with 55 grain bullets and cranked up pretty good. I shoot a 55 grain .223 and have had them run off. Switched to .270 and it just destroys them. The .308 would cut em in half.

[mudfootball]

dont say i didnt tell ya so about the .243 topic. ;)
gary paugh, that was quite funny indeed, im gonna use that line
kt